Imperious Ones Secure League Double Over Three Bridges 20/7/2024
Stuart Faith, with proud dad watching on, takes 5 for 34 off 13!
Three Bridges and the Nomads have had some royal battles during the Sussex Premier League. We have always looked forward to our visits as it’s a tough place to go get a result. With both teams at the start of the day topping the league we were expecting much of the same. Bridges fought valiantly to the end, but Nomads seemed to find that extra gear to ominously forge 19 points clear top of the Sussex Premier League summit.
Week 11 into the 2024 season and again cricketers across the County will be counting their blessing as yet another Saturday remained dry. Thus far it’s been a tremendous weather-related season with just one poor day. It’s meant that clubs can keep their finances in check with subs and bars takings rolling in. Its also meant players can get out their rather than kicking heals in club houses. Let’s hope the trend continues for another seven weeks!
Bridges won the toss under grey skies. Skipper Joe Walker was quick to show intent and choose to bat. It was a decision that looked to pay huge dividends as James Russell and Matt Boyle settled in for the long haul. We were treated to 90 mins worth of total opening prowess as both players left, defended and attacked the occasional bad ball. The stand went to a commanding 71 with out loss. Bridges very much on top. However, our Skipper and bowling machine Nav Patel just kept his rhythm pace and accuracy going way past 10 overs. At last, he found the Russell’s edge and bucket hands Dan Phillips clung on, at the 2nd attempt at slip. Just moments later the pair were at it again as the dangerous Conor Golding was out for 1. This time the ball flew into Dan’s hands with that satisfying thud. From that moment on the Nomads were in charge.
Nav rung the changes and brought on the experienced Stuart Faith up the Hill. The effect was immediate as the Boyles wonderful half century knock came to a close. Faith diving forward full length to a leading edge. The Bridges engine room of Lenham, Cowdrey and Walker himself all fell to the straight Faith deliveries. It seemed they couldn’t cope with the accuracy offering catches which Baalaaj, Kobe and Zach snaffled with glee. That man Dan Phillips completed a fine day in the field with his hat trick slip catch as Faithy celebrated a much deserved five for. The Bridges effort stalling to 129 for 7.
However, Bridges showed their fighting qualities as the lower order restored hope and vigour to the home balcony. Arran Brown entertained the large audience with a mesmerising six and four boundaries on route to a inns changing 40. Then Ben Lucking smashed a six and two fours in a quick fire 22. Zach Lion Cachet completed the inns with 3 for 31 off 12. 206 all out Nomads with 8 great catches!
Just a quick mention to our experienced keeper James Mckemey. He has done it all around the Nomads for many seasons and we have been very lucky call him a Nomad. The current 2s Skipper has recently been called back to the Ones. He yet again demonstrated why he is one of the best on the business with a thoroughly professional display and when the chance came, he picked up a very smart catch. James you are a Nomads legend!
A wonderful tea served. Huge thanks to Bridges for that.
Previous grey skies had now changed to perfect blue as the sun took charge with very pleasant batting temperatures. Nomads made the most of conditions!
Club opener Nathan Poole is having a solid season here at the Nomads with a brilliant average of 30 high score 91. He always wants more, much more which makes him the better he is. Nathan if you’re reading you do a great job as our Number 1, keep it going!
Poole and Lion-Cachet got the Nomads respond off to a good start putting on 34 runs. Zach the 1st to go. The score ticked over nicely to 58 before Nathan was out for 32. Danny Ibs batted really well, quietly accumulating runs in his 56 ball 23. He finally lost patience and his middle stump. With Dan P trapped LBW for nought the home balcony and fans veranda were suddenly very chirpy.
However, Jersey International Jonty Jenner soon had Nomads back on track with an 18 ball 39 including four gigantic sixes into the old people home across the road. If anyone out there from Francise land is reading this piece perhaps JONTY JENNER should be on your radar. He won’t let you down!
Our 2s big hitter Australian Kobe Herft played perhaps his last league game before flying back home on Monday. Kobe, huge congratulations on your half century and I am sure that all of us Nomads want you back here in Fulking ASAP. You have been a diamond. Century at the Saffrons the standout.
Balaaj Khan is turning into one hell of an all-rounder demonstrating clear thinking with an unbeaten 30 as our Skipper finished the job with an almighty heave to cow. It was a destructive end to a very polished Nomads performance.
Faith said later (full interview on Wattsapp) ‘I haven’t played well here for ten years but it went alright today, I managed to bowl straight! It’s a great result here I thought it was a brilliant batting display. Kobe with a half century. To beat the sides around the top of the table is always encouraging and we have put ourselves in the hunt (Sussex Premier League)’
Nav said (full interview on Wattsapp) ‘Its always a tough place to play, we dug deep and to come away with 30 points is massive! It was nice to bowl in tandem with Stuart and to have them 126 for 6 was huge. I love having Stuart in the team because of the attitude he brings. It’s his passion for the club and the game which shines through, and he will keep delivering. We are 19 points ahead in the league and we now have to keep winning and building that lead!’
Bowman said ‘Nomads, I suggest we all take inspiration from our 1st team. They are operating as one and are in full command of every facet of the game. They get the boring basics right every time and boy those big things are happening on a regular occasion. Its no fluke we are top of the Sussex Premier League. That’s down to hard work, both on the training pitch and in their own mental and physical preparation for every game. Take Nav, he bowled 20 overs straight up!
We should be immensely proud of our 1st team as remember we are doing all this with out a hot shot overseas.
Huge thanks to Bridges for hosting at your wonderful facility. The grounds looked in brilliant nick and your tea was very much appreciated. Good luck in your T20 Semi final today I think a Hove Nomads Bridges Final would be very exciting indeed.
There were lots of great performances but for a match defining 5 for Stuart Faith secures the Man of the Match award. Huge congrats to him.
Cobo 21/7/2024